Victorian Labor defends party costings

Victorian Labor has defended plans to double net debt to pay for big-ticket road and rail projects, while accusing the opposition of a $39 billion black hole in election spending.

The state government plans to borrow $25.6 billion to help fund ambitious infrastructure election promises, including a rail line to Melbourne Airport, if relected. Net debt would double to 12 per cent of gross state product.

Treasurer Tim Pallas defended the plan on Friday, telling Melbourne radio 3AW that in contrast the coalition's costings contain a "$39 billion black hole, in basically what has to be a secret plan to cut services".